There’s a certain epic quality attached to Kimi Djabaté’s origins. Encompassing painful experiences, two continents and a lot of tradition, the renowned Guinean singer-songwriter possesses a gigantic artistic magnitude, using his exemplary lifelong journey into human consciousness to deliver a brand new album, ‘Dindin’, a fantastic blend of traditional Afro-Portuguese rhythms with Afrobeat grooves, electric desert blues, and hints of Cuban swing.
Growing up in Guinea-Bissau, Djabaté is what we’d call a child prodigy, very skilful in music from a very young age. After being exploited by his family for that very same gift, he eventually would move to Portugal, where he’d familiarise himself with Madonna – also living in Lisbon – ending up featuring in one of her records. That alone should give you (the reader) a pretty prominent picture of Kimi, helping understand his latest effort ‘Dindin’.
An 11-track album, ‘Dindin’ is a profound reflection on his personal experiences, transformed into songs of joy, love, and societal change. Highly personal and undeniably universal in its themes, the record features intimate songs dedicated to family and friends, seamlessly blending with broader messages of social activism and cultural pride. Djabaté’s powerful voice, combined with his masterful guitar playing and the infectious rhythms of his band, create a musical experience that is both uplifting and thought-provoking.
An album that needs to be listened to at least once – a transformative experience that will greatly enrich the listener.
Recommended! Discover ‘Dindin’ on Spotify:
